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Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 May 18
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000039There are four types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000053The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
54are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000055
56Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
57the Number. Examples: >
58 Number 123 --> String "123"
59 Number 0 --> String "0"
60 Number -1 --> String "-1"
61
62Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
63to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
64the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
65 String "456" --> Number 456
66 String "6bar" --> Number 6
67 String "foo" --> Number 0
68 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
69 String "0100" --> Number 64
70 String "-8" --> Number -8
71 String "+8" --> Number 0
72
73To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
74 :echo "0100" + 0
75
76For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
77
78Note that in the command >
79 :if "foo"
80"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
81use strlen(): >
82 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000083< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
84List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000085
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000086 *E706*
87You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
88to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000089equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000091 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000092 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000093
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000951.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000098in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
99around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000100
101 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
102 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000103< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000104A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
105have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
108Dictionary entry. Example: >
109 :function dict.init() dict
110 : let self.val = 0
111 :endfunction
112
113The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
114function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
115
116A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
117 :call Fn()
118 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000119
120The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000121 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000122
123You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
124arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000126
127
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001281.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000129 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
131can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
132position in the sequence.
133
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000134
135List creation ~
136 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000137A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138Examples: >
139 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
140 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141
142An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143nested List: >
144 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
147
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000148
149List index ~
150 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
153 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000156When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
160the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000161 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
162
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000164is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :echo get(mylist, idx)
166 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
167
168
169List concatenation ~
170
171Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
172 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000173 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174
175To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
176it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
177
178
179Sublist ~
180
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000181A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
182separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000184
185Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
186similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
187available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000188 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
189 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
190 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000191
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000192The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
193is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
194 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
195 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
196
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000197NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
198using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
199mylist[s : e].
200
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000201
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000202List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000203 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
205variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
206change "bb": >
207 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
208 :let bb = aa
209 :call add(aa, 4)
210 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000211< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212
213Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
214works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000215a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
217 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000218 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000219 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
220 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000221< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000225To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000226copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000227
228The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000229List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000230the same value. >
231 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
233 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000234< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000235 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000236< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000237
238
239List unpack ~
240
241To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
242square brackets, like list items: >
243 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
244
245When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
246this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
247and a variable name: >
248 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
249
250This works like: >
251 :let var1 = mylist[0]
252 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000253 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000254
255Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
256empty list then.
257
258
259List modification ~
260 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000261To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262 :let list[4] = "four"
263 :let listlist[0][3] = item
264
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000265To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000266modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000267 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
268
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000269Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
270examples: >
271 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
272 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
273 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000274 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000275 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
276 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000277 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000279 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000280 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000282Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000283 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
284 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
285
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286
287For loop ~
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
290to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000291 :for item in mylist
292 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293 :endfor
294
295This works like: >
296 :let index = 0
297 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 : let item = mylist[index]
299 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000300 : let index = index + 1
301 :endwhile
302
303Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000307If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000308function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
311requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
312 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
313 : call Doit(lnum, col)
314 :endfor
315
316This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
317must remain the same to avoid an error.
318
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000319It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000320 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
321 : call Doit(i, j)
322 : if !empty(rest)
323 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
324 : endif
325 :endfor
326
327
328List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000329 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000331 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000333 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
334 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
335 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000336 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
337 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000338 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
339 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000340 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
341 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000342 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
343 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000345Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
346example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
347 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
348
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000349
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003501.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000351 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000352A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
354ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000355
356
357Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000358 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000359A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000360braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
361only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000362 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
363 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000364< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000365A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
366String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000367entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
368Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000369
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000370A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000371nested Dictionary: >
372 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
373
374An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
375
376
377Accessing entries ~
378
379The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
380 :let val = mydict["one"]
381 :let mydict["four"] = 4
382
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384
385For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
386form can be used |expr-entry|: >
387 :let val = mydict.one
388 :let mydict.four = 4
389
390Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
391key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
394
395Dictionary to List conversion ~
396
397You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
398turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
399
400Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
401 :for key in keys(mydict)
402 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
403 :endfor
404
405The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
406 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
407
408To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
409 :for v in values(mydict)
410 : echo "value: " . v
411 :endfor
412
413If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000414a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415 :for entry in items(mydict)
416 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
417 :endfor
418
419
420Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000421 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000422Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
423Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
424Dictionary: >
425 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
426 :let adict = onedict
427 :let adict['a'] = 11
428 :echo onedict['a']
429 11
430
431For more info see |list-identity|.
432
433
434Dictionary modification ~
435 *dict-modification*
436To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
437use |:let| this way: >
438 :let dict[4] = "four"
439 :let dict['one'] = item
440
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000441Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
442Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
443 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
444 :unlet dict.aaa
445 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446
447Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000448 :call extend(adict, bdict)
449This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
450in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000451Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
452expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
453adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000454
455Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000456 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000457This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000458
459
460Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000461 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000462When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
463special way with a dictionary. Example: >
464 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000465 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000466 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000467 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
468 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000469
470This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
471Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
472the function was invoked from.
473
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000474It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
475Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
476
477 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000478To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
479assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000480 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
481 :function mydict.len() dict
482 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000484 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000485
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
487that references this function. The function can only be used through a
488|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
489remaining that refers to it.
490
491It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000492
493
494Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000495 *E715*
496Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000497 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
498 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
499 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
500 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
501 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
502 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
503 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
504 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000505
506
5071.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000508 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000509If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
510function.
511
512When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
513start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
514stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
515
516When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
517start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
518stored in the session file |session-file|.
519
520variable name can be stored where ~
521my_var_6 not
522My_Var_6 session file
523MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
524
525
526It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
527|curly-braces-names|.
528
529==============================================================================
5302. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
531
532Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
533
534|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
535
536|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
537
538|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
539
540|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
541 expr5 != expr5 not equal
542 expr5 > expr5 greater than
543 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
544 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
545 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
546 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
547 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
548
549 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
550 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
551 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
552 matching case
553
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000554 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
555 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
556
557|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000558 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
559 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
560
561|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
562 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
563 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
564
565|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
566 - expr7 unary minus
567 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000568
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000569
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000570|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
571 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
572 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
573 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
574
575|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000576 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000577 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000578 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000579 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000580 &option option value
581 (expr1) nested expression
582 variable internal variable
583 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
584 $VAR environment variable
585 @r contents of register 'r'
586 function(expr1, ...) function call
587 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
588
589
590".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
591Example: >
592 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
593
594All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
595
596
597expr1 *expr1* *E109*
598-----
599
600expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
601
602The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
603non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
604otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
605Example: >
606 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
607
608Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
609other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
610Example: >
611 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
612
613To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
614 :echo lnum == 1
615 :\ ? "top"
616 :\ : lnum == 1000
617 :\ ? "last"
618 :\ : lnum
619
620
621expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
622---------------
623
624 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
625The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
626are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
627
628 input output ~
629n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
630zero zero zero zero
631zero non-zero non-zero zero
632non-zero zero non-zero zero
633non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
634
635The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
636
637 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
638
639Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
640
641 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
642
643Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
644arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
645
646 let a = 1
647 echo a || b
648
649This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
650so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
651
652 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
653
654This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
655only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
656
657
658expr4 *expr4*
659-----
660
661expr5 {cmp} expr5
662
663Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
664if it evaluates to true.
665
666 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
667 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
668 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
669 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
670 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
671 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000672 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000673 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
674equal == ==# ==?
675not equal != !=# !=?
676greater than > ># >?
677greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
678smaller than < <# <?
679smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
680regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
681regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000682same instance is
683different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000684
685Examples:
686"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
687"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
688"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
689
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000690 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000691A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
692can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
693case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
694
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000695 *E735* *E736*
696A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
697equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
698recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
699
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000700 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000701A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
702can be used. Case is never ignored.
703
704When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
705referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
706original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
707"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
708different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
709is false.
710
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000711When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
712and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
713because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
714
715When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
716results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
717necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
718
719When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
720'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
721
722When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
723'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
724
725The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
726argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
727This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
728matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
729portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
730single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
731Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
732(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
733can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
734 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
735 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
736
737
738expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
739---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000740expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
741expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
742expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000743
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000744For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
745is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
746
747expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
748expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
749expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000750
751For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
752
753Note the difference between "+" and ".":
754 "123" + "456" = 579
755 "123" . "456" = "123456"
756
757When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
758When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
759
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000760None of these work for Funcrefs.
761
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000762
763expr7 *expr7*
764-----
765! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
766- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
767+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
768
769For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
770For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
771For '+' the number is unchanged.
772
773A String will be converted to a Number first.
774
775These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
776 !-1 == 0
777 !!8 == 1
778 --9 == 9
779
780
781expr8 *expr8*
782-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000783expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000784
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000785If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
786expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000787Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000788
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000789Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
790text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
791cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000792 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
793
794If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000795String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
796compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
797
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000798If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000799for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
800error. Example: >
801 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
802
803Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
804or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
805
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000806
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000807expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000808
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000809If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
810from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000811expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
812encodings.
813
814If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
815string minus one is used.
816
817A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
818the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
819
820If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
821expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
822
823Examples: >
824 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
825 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
826 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
827 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
828
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000829If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000830indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
831above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
832 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
833 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
834 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
835
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000836Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000837
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000838
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000839expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000841If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
842will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000843
844The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
845but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
846
847There must not be white space before or after the dot.
848
849Examples: >
850 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
851 :echo dict.one
852 :echo dict .2
853
854Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
855always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
856
857
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000858expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
859
860When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
861
862
863
864 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000865number
866------
867number number constant *expr-number*
868
869Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
870
871
872string *expr-string* *E114*
873------
874"string" string constant *expr-quote*
875
876Note that double quotes are used.
877
878A string constant accepts these special characters:
879\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
880\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
881\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
882\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
883\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
884\X.. same as \x..
885\X. same as \x.
886\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
887 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
888\U.... same as \u....
889\b backspace <BS>
890\e escape <Esc>
891\f formfeed <FF>
892\n newline <NL>
893\r return <CR>
894\t tab <Tab>
895\\ backslash
896\" double quote
897\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
898
899Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
900
901
902literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
903---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000904'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000905
906Note that single quotes are used.
907
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000908This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000909meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000910
911Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
912to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
913 if a =~ "\\s*"
914 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000915
916
917option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
918------
919&option option value, local value if possible
920&g:option global option value
921&l:option local option value
922
923Examples: >
924 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
925 if &insertmode
926
927Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
928and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
929anyway.
930
931
932register *expr-register*
933--------
934@r contents of register 'r'
935
936The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
937Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
938register use @" or @@. The '=' register can not be used here. See
939|registers| for an explanation of the available registers.
940
941
942nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
943-------
944(expr1) nested expression
945
946
947environment variable *expr-env*
948--------------------
949$VAR environment variable
950
951The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
952result is an empty string.
953 *expr-env-expand*
954Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
955expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
956are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
957the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
958fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
959does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
960 :echo $version
961 :echo expand("$version")
962The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
963variable (if your shell supports it).
964
965
966internal variable *expr-variable*
967-----------------
968variable internal variable
969See below |internal-variables|.
970
971
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +0000972function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000973-------------
974function(expr1, ...) function call
975See below |functions|.
976
977
978==============================================================================
9793. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
980 *E461*
981An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
982cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
983|curly-braces-names|.
984
985An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000986An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
987|:unlet|.
988Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
989been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000990
991There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
992specified by what is prepended:
993
994 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
995|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
996|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
997|global-variable| g: Global.
998|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
999|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1000|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1001|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1002
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001003The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1004all script-local variables: >
1005 :for k in keys(s:)
1006 : unlet s:[k]
1007 :endfor
1008<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001009 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1010A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1011Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1012This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1013|:bdelete|.
1014
1015One local buffer variable is predefined:
1016 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1017b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1018 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1019 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1020 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1021 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1022 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1023 : call My_Update()
1024 :endif
1025<
1026 *window-variable* *w:var*
1027A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1028is deleted when the window is closed.
1029
1030 *global-variable* *g:var*
1031Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1032access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1033place if you like.
1034
1035 *local-variable* *l:var*
1036Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1037But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1038
1039 *script-variable* *s:var*
1040In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1041accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1042
1043They can be used in:
1044- commands executed while the script is sourced
1045- functions defined in the script
1046- autocommands defined in the script
1047- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1048 defined in the script (recursively)
1049- user defined commands defined in the script
1050Thus not in:
1051- other scripts sourced from this one
1052- mappings
1053- etc.
1054
1055script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1056Take this example:
1057
1058 let s:counter = 0
1059 function MyCounter()
1060 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1061 echo s:counter
1062 endfunction
1063 command Tick call MyCounter()
1064
1065You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1066that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1067"Tick" was defined is used.
1068
1069Another example that does the same: >
1070
1071 let s:counter = 0
1072 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1073
1074When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001075script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001076defined.
1077
1078The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1079function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1080
1081 let s:counter = 0
1082 function StartCounting(incr)
1083 if a:incr
1084 function MyCounter()
1085 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1086 endfunction
1087 else
1088 function MyCounter()
1089 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1090 endfunction
1091 endif
1092 endfunction
1093
1094This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1095when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1096called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1097
1098When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1099They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1100maintain a counter: >
1101
1102 if !exists("s:counter")
1103 let s:counter = 1
1104 echo "script executed for the first time"
1105 else
1106 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1107 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1108 endif
1109
1110Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1111variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1112
1113
1114Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1115
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001116 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1117v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1118 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1119 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1120
1121 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1122v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1123 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1124
1125 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1126v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1127 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1128
1129 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
1130v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as it is
1131 useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies, but a
1132 dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a ']'
1133 the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
1134 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1135 highlighted text is used.
1136 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1137
1138 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1139v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1140 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1141
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001142 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1143v:charconvert_from
1144 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1145 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1146
1147 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1148v:charconvert_to
1149 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1150 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1151
1152 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1153v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1154 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1155 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1156 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1157 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1158 possible to append this variable directly after the
1159 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1160 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1161 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1162 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1163 in 'printexpr'.
1164
1165 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1166v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1167 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1168 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1169 can be used.
1170
1171 *v:count* *count-variable*
1172v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1173 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1174 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1175< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1176 get when typing ':' after a count.
1177 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1178
1179 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1180v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1181 used.
1182
1183 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1184v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1185 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1186 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1187 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1188 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1189 command.
1190 See |multi-lang|.
1191
1192 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1193v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1194 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1195 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1196 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1197 Example: >
1198 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1199<
1200 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1201v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1202 Example: >
1203 :let v:errmsg = ""
1204 :silent! next
1205 :if v:errmsg != ""
1206 : ... handle error
1207< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1208
1209 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1210v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1211 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1212 Example: >
1213 :try
1214 : throw "oops"
1215 :catch /.*/
1216 : echo "caught" v:exception
1217 :endtry
1218< Output: "caught oops".
1219
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001220 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1221v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1222 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1223 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1224 deleted file no longer exists
1225 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1226 changed and buffer is modified
1227 changed file contents has changed
1228 mode mode of file changed
1229 time only file timestamp changed
1230
1231 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1232v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1233 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1234 do with the affected buffer:
1235 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1236 the file was deleted).
1237 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1238 was no autocommand. Except that when
1239 only the timestamp changed nothing
1240 will happen.
1241 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1242 everything that needs to be done.
1243 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1244 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1245
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001246 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1247v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1248 option used for ~
1249 'charconvert' file to be converted
1250 'diffexpr' original file
1251 'patchexpr' original file
1252 'printexpr' file to be printed
1253
1254 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1255v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1256 evaluating:
1257 option used for ~
1258 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1259 'diffexpr' output of diff
1260 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1261 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1262 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1263 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1264 file and different from v:fname_in.
1265
1266 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1267v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1268 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1269
1270 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1271v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1272 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1273
1274 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1275v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1276 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001277 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001278
1279 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1280v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001281 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001282
1283 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1284v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001285 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001286
1287 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1288v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001289 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001290
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001291 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1292v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1293 events. Values:
1294 i Insert mode
1295 r Replace mode
1296 v Virtual Replace mode
1297
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001298 *v:key* *key-variable*
1299v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1300 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1301 Read-only.
1302
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001303 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1304v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1305 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1306 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1307 The value is system dependent.
1308 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1309 command.
1310 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1311 in a different language than what is used for character
1312 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1313
1314 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1315v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1316 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1317 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1318 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1319 command. See |multi-lang|.
1320
1321 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001322v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1323 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1324 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001325
1326 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1327v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1328 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1329 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1330 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1331< Read-only.
1332
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001333 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1334v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1335 See |profiling|.
1336
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001337 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1338v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1339 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1340 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1341 Read-only.
1342
1343 *v:register* *register-variable*
1344v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1345 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1346
1347 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1348v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1349 Read-only.
1350
1351 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1352v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1353 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1354 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1355 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1356 executed. Read-only.
1357 Example: >
1358 :!mv foo bar
1359 :if v:shell_error
1360 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1361 :endif
1362< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1363
1364 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1365v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1366
1367 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1368v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1369 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1370 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1371 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1372 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1373 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1374 terminal.
1375 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1376 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1377 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1378 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1379 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1380
1381 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1382v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1383 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1384 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1385 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1386
1387 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1388v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1389 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1390 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1391 Example: >
1392 :try
1393 : throw "oops"
1394 :catch /.*/
1395 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1396 :endtry
1397< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1398
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001399 *v:val* *val-variable*
1400v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1401 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1402 |filter()|. Read-only.
1403
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001404 *v:version* *version-variable*
1405v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1406 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1407 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1408 compatibility.
1409 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1410 if has("patch123")
1411< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1412 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1413 completely different.
1414
1415 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1416v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1417
1418==============================================================================
14194. Builtin Functions *functions*
1420
1421See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1422
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001423(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001424
1425USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1426
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001427add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001428append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001429append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001430argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001431argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001432argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1433browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1434 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001435browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001436bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001437buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1438bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001439bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1440bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1441bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1442byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001443byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001444call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1445 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001446char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001447cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
1449confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1450 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001451copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001452count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1453 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001454cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1455 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001456cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1457deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001458delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1459did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001460diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1461diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001462empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001463escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001464eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001465eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001466executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1467exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1468expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1469filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001470filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1471 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001472finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1473 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001474findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001475 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001476filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1477fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001478foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1479foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001480foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001481foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001482foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001483function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001484get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001485get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001486getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1487getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001488getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1489getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1490getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1491getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001492getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1493getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001494getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001495getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001496getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001497getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1498getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001499getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001500getreg( [{regname}]) String contents of register
1501getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001502getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1503getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1504getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1505glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1506globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1507has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001508has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001509hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1510histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1511histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1512histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1513histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1514hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1515hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1516hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001517iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1518indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001519index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1520 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001521input( {prompt} [, {text}]) String get input from the user
1522inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001523inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1524inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001525inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001526insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001527isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001528islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001529items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001530join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001531keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001532len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1533libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001534libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1535line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1536line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001537lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001538localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001539map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001540maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1541mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001542match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001543 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001544matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001545 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001546matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1547 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001548matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1549 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001550max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1551min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001552mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1553 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001554mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001555nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1556nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1557prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001558range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1559 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001560readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1561 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001562remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1563 String send expression
1564remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1565remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1566 Number check for reply string
1567remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1568remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1569 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001570remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001571remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001572rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1573repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1574resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001575reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001576search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001578 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001579server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1580 Number send reply string
1581serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1582setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1583setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1584setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001585setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001586setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001587setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001588simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001589sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001590split( {expr} [, {pat}]) List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001591strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001592stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1593 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001594string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001595strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1596strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1597 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001598strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1599 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001600strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001601submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001602substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1603 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001604synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001605synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1606 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1607synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001608system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001609taglist({expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001610tempname() String name for a temporary file
1611tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1612toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001613tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1614 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001615type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001616values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001617virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1618visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1619winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1620wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1621winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1622winline() Number window line of the cursor
1623winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001624winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001625winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001626writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1627 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001628
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001629add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1630 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001631 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001632 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1633 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1634< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001635 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001636 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001637
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001638
1639append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001640 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001641 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001642 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1643 the current buffer.
1644 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001645 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1646 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001647 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001648 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001649<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650 *argc()*
1651argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1652 current window. See |arglist|.
1653
1654 *argidx()*
1655argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1656 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1657
1658 *argv()*
1659argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1660 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1661 Example: >
1662 :let i = 0
1663 :while i < argc()
1664 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1665 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1666 : let i = i + 1
1667 :endwhile
1668<
1669 *browse()*
1670browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1671 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1672 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1673 The input fields are:
1674 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1675 {title} title for the requester
1676 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1677 {default} default file name
1678 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1679 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1680
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001681 *browsedir()*
1682browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1683 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1684 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1685 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1686 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1687 to be used.
1688 The input fields are:
1689 {title} title for the requester
1690 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1691 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1692 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1693
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001694bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1695 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1696 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001697 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001698 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001699 exactly. The name can be:
1700 - Relative to the current directory.
1701 - A full path.
1702 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1703 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001704 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1705 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1706 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1707 long name to be able to find them.
1708 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1709 file name.
1710 *buffer_exists()*
1711 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1712
1713buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1714 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1715 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001716 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001717
1718bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1719 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1720 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001721 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722
1723bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1724 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1725 ":ls" command.
1726 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1727 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1728 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1729 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1730 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1731 match an empty string is returned.
1732 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1733 alternate buffer.
1734 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1735 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1736 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1737 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1738 buffers are searched for.
1739 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1740 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1741 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1742< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1743 string is returned. >
1744 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1745 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1746 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1747 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1748< *buffer_name()*
1749 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1750
1751 *bufnr()*
1752bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1753 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1754 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1755 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1756 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1757< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1758 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1759 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1760 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1761 *buffer_number()*
1762 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1763 *last_buffer_nr()*
1764 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1765
1766bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1767 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1768 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1769 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1770 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1771
1772 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1773
1774< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1775 |:wincmd|.
1776
1777
1778byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1779 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1780 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1781 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1782 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1783 one.
1784 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1785 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1786 feature}
1787
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001788byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1789 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1790 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1791 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1792 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1793 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1794 Example : >
1795 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1796< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1797 same: >
1798 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1799 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1800< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1801 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1802 is returned.
1803
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001804call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001805 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1806 arguments.
1807 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1808 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1809 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001810 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1811 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001812
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001813char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1814 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1815 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1816 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1817< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1818 char2nr("á") returns 225
1819 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001820< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001821
1822cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1823 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1824 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1825 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1826 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1827 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1828 feature, -1 is returned.
1829
1830 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001831col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001832 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1833 . the cursor position
1834 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1835 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1836 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1837 returned)
1838 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1839 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1840 Examples: >
1841 col(".") column of cursor
1842 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1843 col("'t") column of mark t
1844 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1845< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1846 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1847 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1848 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1849 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1850 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1851 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1852 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1853<
1854 *confirm()*
1855confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1856 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1857 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1858 choice this is 1.
1859 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1860 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1861 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1862 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1863 used (and translated).
1864 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1865 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1866 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1867 by '\n', e.g. >
1868 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1869< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1870 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1871 not need to be the first letter: >
1872 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1873< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1874 the default shortcut key.
1875 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1876 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1877 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1878 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1879 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1880 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1881 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1882 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1883 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1884 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1885 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1886
1887 An example: >
1888 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1889 :if choice == 0
1890 : echo "make up your mind!"
1891 :elseif choice == 3
1892 : echo "tasteful"
1893 :else
1894 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1895 :endif
1896< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1897 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1898 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1899 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1900 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1901 the horizontal layout is always used.
1902
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001903 *copy()*
1904copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1905 different from using {expr} directly.
1906 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1907 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1908 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1909 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1910 |deepcopy()|.
1911
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001912count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001913 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001914 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1915 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1916 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001917 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1918
1919
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001920 *cscope_connection()*
1921cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1922 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1923 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1924 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1925 if there are no cscope connections;
1926 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1927
1928 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1929 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1930
1931 {num} Description of existence check
1932 ----- ------------------------------
1933 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
1934 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
1935 {dbpath}.
1936 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
1937 {dbpath}.
1938 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
1939 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1940 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
1941 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1942
1943 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
1944
1945 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
1946
1947 # pid database name prepend path
1948 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
1949<
1950 Invocation Return Val ~
1951 ---------- ---------- >
1952 cscope_connection() 1
1953 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
1954 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
1955 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
1956 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
1957 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
1958 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
1959 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
1960<
1961cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
1962 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
1963 Does not change the jumplist.
1964 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
1965 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
1966 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
1967 If {col} is greater than the number of characters in the line,
1968 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
1969 line.
1970 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
1971
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001972
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001973deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001974 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1975 different from using {expr} directly.
1976 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
1977 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1978 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
1979 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
1980 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001981 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
1982 is only copied once. All references point to this single
1983 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
1984 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
1985 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00001986 *E724*
1987 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001988 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
1989 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001990 Also see |copy()|.
1991
1992delete({fname}) *delete()*
1993 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001994 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
1995 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001996 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001997
1998 *did_filetype()*
1999did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2000 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2001 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2002 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2003 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2004 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2005 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2006 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2007 file.
2008
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002009diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2010 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2011 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2012 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2013 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2014 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2015 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2016 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2017
2018diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2019 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2020 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2021 diff change zero is returned.
2022 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2023 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2024 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2025 line.
2026 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2027 syntax information about the highlighting.
2028
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002029empty({expr}) *empty()*
2030 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002031 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002032 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2033 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2034 with zero.
2035
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002036escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2037 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2038 backslash. Example: >
2039 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2040< results in: >
2041 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002042
2043< *eval()*
2044eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2045 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2046 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2047 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2048
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002049eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2050 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2051 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2052 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2053 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2054
2055executable({expr}) *executable()*
2056 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2057 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002058 arguments.
2059 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2060 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2061 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2062 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2063 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2064 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2065 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2066 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2067 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2068 extension.
2069 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2070 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002071 The result is a Number:
2072 1 exists
2073 0 does not exist
2074 -1 not implemented on this system
2075
2076 *exists()*
2077exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2078 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2079 which contains one of these:
2080 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2081 not if it really works)
2082 +option-name Vim option that works.
2083 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2084 done by comparing with an empty
2085 string)
2086 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2087 or user defined function (see
2088 |user-functions|).
2089 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002090 |internal-variables|). Also works
2091 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2092 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2093 this may cause functions to be
2094 invoked cause an error message for an
2095 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002096 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2097 command or command modifier |:command|.
2098 Returns:
2099 1 for match with start of a command
2100 2 full match with a command
2101 3 matches several user commands
2102 To check for a supported command
2103 always check the return value to be 2.
2104 #event autocommand defined for this event
2105 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2106 pattern (the pattern is taken
2107 literally and compared to the
2108 autocommand patterns character by
2109 character)
2110 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2111
2112 Examples: >
2113 exists("&shortname")
2114 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2115 exists("*strftime")
2116 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2117 exists("bufcount")
2118 exists(":Make")
2119 exists("#CursorHold");
2120 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2121< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2122 name.
2123 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2124 variable itself! For example: >
2125 exists(bufcount)
2126< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2127 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2128 exists.
2129
2130expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2131 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2132 The result is a String.
2133
2134 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2135 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2136 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2137
2138 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2139 for a non-existing file is not included.
2140
2141 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2142 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2143 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2144
2145 % current file name
2146 # alternate file name
2147 #n alternate file name n
2148 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2149 <afile> autocmd file name
2150 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2151 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2152 <sfile> sourced script file name
2153 <cword> word under the cursor
2154 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2155 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2156 message |server2client()|
2157 Modifiers:
2158 :p expand to full path
2159 :h head (last path component removed)
2160 :t tail (last path component only)
2161 :r root (one extension removed)
2162 :e extension only
2163
2164 Example: >
2165 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2166< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2167 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2168 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2169< Use this: >
2170 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2171< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2172 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2173 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2174 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2175 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2176<
2177 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2178 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2179 to modify normal file names.
2180
2181 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2182 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2183 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2184 '/' added.
2185
2186 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2187 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2188 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2189 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
2190 non-existing files are included.
2191
2192 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2193 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2194 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2195 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2196 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2197 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2198 "$FOOBAR".
2199
2200 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2201 getting the raw output of an external command.
2202
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002203extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2204 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2205
2206 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2207 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2208 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2209 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2210 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002211 Examples: >
2212 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2213 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002214< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2215 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002216 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002217<
2218 If they are Dictionaries:
2219 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2220 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2221 used to decide what to do:
2222 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2223 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002224 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002225 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2226
2227 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2228 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2229 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2230 Returns {expr1}.
2231
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002232
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002233filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2234 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2235 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2236 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2237 expression, which is used as a String.
2238 *file_readable()*
2239 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2240
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002241
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002242filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2243 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2244 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2245 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2246 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2247 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2248 Examples: >
2249 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2250< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2251 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2252< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2253 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002254< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2255
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002256 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2257 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2258 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2259
2260 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2261 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002262 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002263
2264< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002265
2266
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002267finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2268 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2269 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2270 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2271 {name} in {path}.
2272 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2273 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2274 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2275 Example: >
2276 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2277< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2278 the file "tags.vim".
2279 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2280
2281findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2282 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2283
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002284filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2285 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2286 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2287 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2288 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2289
2290fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2291 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2292 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2293 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2294 Example: >
2295 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2296< results in: >
2297 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2298< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2299 |expand()| first then.
2300
2301foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2302 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2303 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2304 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2305
2306foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2307 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2308 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2309 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2310
2311foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2312 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2313 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2314 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2315 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2316 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2317 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2318 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2319 previous line is usually available.
2320
2321 *foldtext()*
2322foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2323 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2324 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2325 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2326 The returned string looks like this: >
2327 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2328< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2329 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2330 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2331 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2332 options is removed.
2333 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2334
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002335foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2336 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2337 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2338 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2339 returned.
2340 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2341 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2342 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2343 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2344
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002345 *foreground()*
2346foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2347 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2348 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2349 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2350 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2351 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2352 Win32 console version}
2353
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002354
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002355function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002356 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2357 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2358
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002359
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002360get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002361 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2362 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2363 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002364get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2365 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2366 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2367 {default} is omitted.
2368
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002369
2370getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2371 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2372 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2373 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002374 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2375 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2376 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002377 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2378 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2379 returned, there is no error message.
2380 Examples: >
2381 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2382 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2383<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002384getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2385 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2386 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2387 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2388 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2389 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2390 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2391 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2392 not consumed. If a normal character is
2393 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2394 non-zero value is returned.
2395 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2396 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2397 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2398 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2399 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2400 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2401 user that a character has to be typed.
2402 There is no mapping for the character.
2403 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2404 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2405 sequence. Examples: >
2406 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2407 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2408< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2409 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2410 :function FindChar()
2411 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2412 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2413 : normal l
2414 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2415 : break
2416 : endif
2417 : endwhile
2418 :endfunction
2419
2420getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2421 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2422 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2423 These values are added together:
2424 2 shift
2425 4 control
2426 8 alt (meta)
2427 16 mouse double click
2428 32 mouse triple click
2429 64 mouse quadruple click
2430 128 Macintosh only: command
2431 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2432 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2433 with no modifier.
2434
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002435getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2436 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2437 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2438 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2439 Example: >
2440 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
2441< Also see |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
2442
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002443getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002444 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2445 byte count. The first column is 1.
2446 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2447 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
2448 Also see |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2449
2450 *getcwd()*
2451getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2452 working directory.
2453
2454getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2455 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2456 given file {fname}.
2457 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2458 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2459
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002460getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2461 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2462 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2463 |hl-Normal|.
2464 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2465 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2466 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2467 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2468 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2469 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2470 for a valid name does not work.
2471 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2472 function just after the GUI has started.
2473
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002474getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2475 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2476 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2477 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2478 empty string is returned.
2479 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2480 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2481 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2482 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2483 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2484 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2485< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2486 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002487
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002488getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2489 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2490 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2491 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2492 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2493 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2494
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002495getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2496 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2497 file of the given file {fname}.
2498 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2499 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2500 results:
2501 Normal file "file"
2502 Directory "dir"
2503 Symbolic link "link"
2504 Block device "bdev"
2505 Character device "cdev"
2506 Socket "socket"
2507 FIFO "fifo"
2508 All other "other"
2509 Example: >
2510 getftype("/home")
2511< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2512 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2513 "file" are returned.
2514
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002515 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002516getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2517 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2518 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002519 getline(1)
2520< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2521 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2522 To get the line under the cursor: >
2523 getline(".")
2524< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2525 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2526
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002527 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2528 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2529 including line {end}.
2530 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2531 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
2532 When {end} is before {lnum} an error is given.
2533 Example: >
2534 :let start = line('.')
2535 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2536 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2537
2538
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002539getqflist() *getqflist()*
2540 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2541 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2542 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2543 bufname() to get the name
2544 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2545 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002546 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2547 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002548 nr error number
2549 text description of the error
2550 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2551 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2552
2553 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2554 do something with them: >
2555 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2556 :for d in getqflist()
2557 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2558 :endfor
2559
2560
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002561getreg([{regname}]) *getreg()*
2562 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002563 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002564 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2565< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002566 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002567 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2568
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002569
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002570getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2571 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2572 The value will be one of:
2573 "v" for |characterwise| text
2574 "V" for |linewise| text
2575 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2576 0 for an empty or unknown register
2577 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2578 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2579
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002580
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002581 *getwinposx()*
2582getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2583 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2584 -1 if the information is not available.
2585
2586 *getwinposy()*
2587getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2588 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2589 information is not available.
2590
2591getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2592 The result is the value of option or local window variable
2593 {varname} in window {nr}.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002594 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2595 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2596 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002597 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2598 Examples: >
2599 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2600 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2601<
2602 *glob()*
2603glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2604 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2605 characters.
2606 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2607 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2608
2609 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2610 any external command. Example: >
2611 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2612 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2613< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2614 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2615
2616 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2617 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2618
2619globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2620 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2621 the results. Example: >
2622 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2623< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2624 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2625 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2626 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2627 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2628 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2629 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2630 error message.
2631 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2632 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2633
2634 *has()*
2635has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2636 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2637 string. See |feature-list| below.
2638 Also see |exists()|.
2639
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002640
2641has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2642 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2643 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2644
2645
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002646hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2647 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2648 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2649 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2650 {mode}.
2651 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2652 buffer are checked for a match.
2653 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2654 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2655 n Normal mode
2656 v Visual mode
2657 o Operator-pending mode
2658 i Insert mode
2659 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2660 c Command-line mode
2661 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2662
2663 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2664 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2665 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2666 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2667 :endif
2668< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2669 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2670
2671histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2672 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2673 one of: *hist-names*
2674 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2675 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2676 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2677 "input" or "@" input line history
2678 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2679 shifted to become the newest entry.
2680 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2681 otherwise 0 is returned.
2682
2683 Example: >
2684 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2685 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2686< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2687
2688histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002689 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002690 for the possible values of {history}.
2691
2692 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2693 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2694 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2695 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2696 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2697 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2698 if it exists.
2699
2700 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2701 otherwise 0 is returned.
2702
2703 Examples:
2704 Clear expression register history: >
2705 :call histdel("expr")
2706<
2707 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2708 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2709<
2710 The following three are equivalent: >
2711 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2712 :call histdel("search", -1)
2713 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2714<
2715 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2716 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2717 :call histdel("search", -1)
2718 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2719
2720histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2721 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2722 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2723 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2724 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2725 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2726
2727 Examples:
2728 Redo the second last search from history. >
2729 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2730
2731< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2732 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2733 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2734<
2735histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2736 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2737 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2738 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2739
2740 Example: >
2741 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2742<
2743hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2744 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2745 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2746 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2747 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2748 item.
2749 *highlight_exists()*
2750 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2751
2752 *hlID()*
2753hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2754 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2755 zero is returned.
2756 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2757 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2758 "Comment" group: >
2759 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2760< *highlightID()*
2761 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2762
2763hostname() *hostname()*
2764 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002765 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002766 256 characters long are truncated.
2767
2768iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2769 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2770 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2771 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2772 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2773 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2774 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2775 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2776 can be done.
2777 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2778 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2779 UTF-8 and use: >
2780 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2781< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2782 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2783 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2784 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2785
2786 *indent()*
2787indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2788 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2789 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2790 |getline()|.
2791 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2792
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002793
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002794index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002795 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2796 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002797 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2798 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002799 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2800 case must match.
2801 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2802 Example: >
2803 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002804 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002805
2806
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002807input({prompt} [, {text}]) *input()*
2808 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2809 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2810 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
2811 prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with
2812 |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just
2813 like a command-line, with the same editing commands and
2814 mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for
2815 input().
2816 If the optional {text} is present, this is used for the
2817 default reply, as if the user typed this.
2818 NOTE: This must not be used in a startup file, for the
2819 versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
2820 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2821 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2822 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2823 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2824 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2825 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2826 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2827
2828 Example: >
2829 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2830 : echo "Cheers!"
2831 :endif
2832< Example with default text: >
2833 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2834< Example with a mapping: >
2835 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2836 :function GetFoo()
2837 : call inputsave()
2838 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2839 : call inputrestore()
2840 :endfunction
2841
2842inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2843 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2844 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2845 Example: >
2846 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2847 :if n != ""
2848 : let &sw = n
2849 :endif
2850< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2851 omitted an empty string is returned.
2852 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2853 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
2854
2855inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
2856 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
2857 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
2858 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
2859 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
2860
2861inputsave() *inputsave()*
2862 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
2863 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
2864 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
2865 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
2866 many inputrestore() calls.
2867 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
2868
2869inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
2870 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
2871 two exceptions:
2872 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
2873 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
2874 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
2875 |history| stack.
2876 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
2877 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
2878
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002879insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
2880 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
2881 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
2882 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
2883 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
2884 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002885 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002886 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
2887 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
2888 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002889< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002890 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
2891 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
2892
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002893isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
2894 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
2895 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
2896 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
2897 is any expression, which is used as a String.
2898
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00002899islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
2900 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
2901 name of a locked variable.
2902 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
2903 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
2904 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
2905 :lockvar 1 alist
2906 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
2907 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
2908
2909< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
2910 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
2911
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002912items({dict}) *items()*
2913 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
2914 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
2915 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
2916
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002917
2918join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
2919 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
2920 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
2921 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
2922 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
2923 add it there too: >
2924 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
2925< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
2926 converted into a string like with |string()|.
2927 The opposite function is |split()|.
2928
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002929keys({dict}) *keys()*
2930 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
2931 arbitrary order.
2932
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002933 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002934len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
2935 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
2936 used, as with |strlen()|.
2937 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
2938 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002939 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
2940 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002941 Otherwise an error is given.
2942
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002943 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
2944libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
2945 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
2946 with single argument {argument}.
2947 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
2948 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
2949 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
2950 limited.
2951 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
2952 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
2953 to Vim.
2954 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
2955 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
2956 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
2957 null-terminated string.
2958 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
2959
2960 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
2961 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
2962 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
2963 very probably crash.
2964
2965 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
2966 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
2967 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
2968 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
2969 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
2970 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
2971 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
2972 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
2973 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
2974 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
2975
2976 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
2977 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
2978 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
2979 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
2980 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
2981 the DLL is not in the usual places.
2982 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
2983 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
2984 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
2985 feature is present}
2986 Examples: >
2987 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
2988 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
2989<
2990 *libcallnr()*
2991libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
2992 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
2993 int instead of a string.
2994 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
2995 feature is present}
2996 Example (not very useful...): >
2997 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
2998 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
2999<
3000 *line()*
3001line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3002 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3003 . the cursor position
3004 $ the last line in the current buffer
3005 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3006 returned)
3007 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3008 Examples: >
3009 line(".") line number of the cursor
3010 line("'t") line number of mark t
3011 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3012< *last-position-jump*
3013 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3014 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3015 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003016
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003017line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3018 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3019 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3020 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3021 line returns 1.
3022 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3023 below the last line: >
3024 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3025< This is the file size plus one.
3026 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3027 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3028 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3029
3030lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3031 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3032 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3033 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3034 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3035 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3036 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3037
3038localtime() *localtime()*
3039 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3040 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3041
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003042
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003043map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3044 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3045 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3046 {string}.
3047 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3048 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3049 Example: >
3050 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003051< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003052
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003053 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003054 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003055 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3056 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003057
3058 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3059 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003060 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003061
3062< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003063
3064
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003065maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3066 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3067 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3068 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3069 "n" Normal
3070 "v" Visual
3071 "o" Operator-pending
3072 "i" Insert
3073 "c" Cmd-line
3074 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3075 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3076 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3077 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3078 command. The returned String has special characters
3079 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3080 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3081 then the global mappings.
3082
3083mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3084 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3085 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3086 {name}.
3087 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3088 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3089
3090 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3091 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3092 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3093 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3094 mapcheck("b") no no no
3095
3096 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3097 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3098 mapping for {name} exactly.
3099 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3100 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3101 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3102 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3103 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3104 then the global mappings.
3105 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3106 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3107 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3108 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3109 :endif
3110< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3111 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3112
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003113match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003114 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3115 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3116 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3117 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3118 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3119 {pat} matches.
3120 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003121 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3122 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003123 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3124 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3125< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003126 *strpbrk()*
3127 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3128 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3129< *strcasestr()*
3130 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3131 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3132 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3133<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003134 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003135 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3136 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003137 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003138< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3139
3140 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3141 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003142 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003143 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003144 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3145< result is again "4". >
3146 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3147< result is again "4". >
3148 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3149< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003150 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3151 the index is counted from the end.
3152 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3153 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3154
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003155 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3156 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3157 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3158 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3159
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003160matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003161 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3162 the match. Example: >
3163 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3164< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003165 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3166 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3167 do it with matchend(): >
3168 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3169 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3170< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3171
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003172 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3173 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3174< results in "7". >
3175 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3176< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003177 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003178
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003179matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3180 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3181 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3182 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3183 in |:substitute|.
3184 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3185
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003186matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003187 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3188 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3189< results in "ing".
3190 When there is no match "" is returned.
3191 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3192 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3193< results in "ing". >
3194 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3195< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003196 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3197 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003198
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003199 *max()*
3200max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3201 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3202 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3203 An empty List results in zero.
3204
3205 *min()*
3206min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3207 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3208 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3209 An empty List results in zero.
3210
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003211 *mkdir()* *E749*
3212mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3213 Create directory {name}.
3214 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3215 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3216 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3217 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3218 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3219 for others.
3220 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3221 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3222 :if exists("*mkdir")
3223<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003224 *mode()*
3225mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3226 n Normal
3227 v Visual by character
3228 V Visual by line
3229 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3230 s Select by character
3231 S Select by line
3232 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3233 i Insert
3234 R Replace
3235 c Command-line
3236 r Hit-enter prompt
3237 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3238 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3239
3240nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3241 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3242 that is not blank. Example: >
3243 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3244< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3245 below it, zero is returned.
3246 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3247
3248nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3249 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3250 value {expr}. Examples: >
3251 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3252 nr2char(32) returns " "
3253< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3254 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3255< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3256 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3257 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003258 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003259
3260prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3261 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3262 that is not blank. Example: >
3263 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3264< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3265 above it, zero is returned.
3266 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3267
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003268 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003269range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3270 Returns a List with Numbers:
3271 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3272 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3273 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3274 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3275 producing a value past {max}).
3276 Examples: >
3277 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3278 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3279 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3280 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
3281<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003282 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003283readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003284 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3285 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3286 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3287 NL appears somewhere).
3288 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3289 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3290 added.
3291 - No CR characters are removed.
3292 Otherwise:
3293 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3294 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3295 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003296 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3297 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3298 lines of a file: >
3299 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3300 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3301 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003302< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3303 are returned, or as many as there are.
3304 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003305 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3306 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3307 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003308 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3309 the result is an empty list.
3310 Also see |writefile()|.
3311
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003312 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3313remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3314 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3315 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3316 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3317 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3318 remote_read() is stored there.
3319 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3320 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3321 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3322 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3323 and the result will be the empty string.
3324 Examples: >
3325 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3326 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3327<
3328
3329remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3330 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3331 This works like: >
3332 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3333< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3334 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3335 to bring itself to the foreground.
3336 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3337 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3338 Win32 console version}
3339
3340
3341remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3342 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3343 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3344 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3345 name of a variable.
3346 Returns zero if none are available.
3347 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3348 See also |clientserver|.
3349 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3350 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3351 Examples: >
3352 :let repl = ""
3353 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3354
3355remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3356 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3357 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3358 See also |clientserver|.
3359 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3360 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3361 Example: >
3362 :echo remote_read(id)
3363<
3364 *remote_send()* *E241*
3365remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003366 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3367 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3368 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003369 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3370 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3371 remote_read() is stored there.
3372 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3373 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3374 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3375 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3376 up the display.
3377 Examples: >
3378 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3379 \ remote_read(serverid)
3380
3381 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3382 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3383 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3384 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003385<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003386remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3387 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3388 return it.
3389 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3390 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3391 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3392 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3393 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003394 Example: >
3395 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003396 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003397remove({dict}, {key})
3398 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3399 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3400< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3401
3402 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003403
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003404rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3405 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3406 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3407 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3408 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3409 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3410
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003411repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3412 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3413 result. Example: >
3414 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3415< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003416 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003417 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003418 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3419< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003420
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003421
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003422resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3423 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3424 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3425 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3426 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3427 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3428 stopped after 100 iterations.
3429 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3430 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3431 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3432 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3433 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3434
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003435 *reverse()*
3436reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3437 {list}.
3438 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3439 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3440
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003441search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3442 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003443 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003444 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3445 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003446 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003447 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3448 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
3449 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3450
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003451 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3452 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3453 flag is used).
3454 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3455 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003456
3457 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3458 :let n = 1
3459 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3460 : exe "argument " . n
3461 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3462 : " first search to find match at start of file
3463 : normal G$
3464 : let flags = "w"
3465 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3466 : s/foo/bar/g
3467 : let flags = "W"
3468 : endwhile
3469 : update " write the file if modified
3470 : let n = n + 1
3471 :endwhile
3472<
3473 *searchpair()*
3474searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3475 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3476 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3477 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3478 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3479 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3480 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3481 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3482
3483 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3484 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3485 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3486 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3487 typical use is: >
3488 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3489< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3490
3491 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3492 'n' do Not move the cursor
3493 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3494 outer pair
3495 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3496 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3497
3498 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3499 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3500 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3501 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3502 or a string.
3503 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3504 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3505 and -1 returned.
3506
3507 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3508 patterns are used like it's on.
3509
3510 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3511 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3512 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3513 if 1
3514 if 2
3515 endif 2
3516 endif 1
3517< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3518 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3519 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3520 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3521 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3522 "endif 2".
3523 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3524 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3525 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3526 the matching start.
3527
3528 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3529
3530 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3531 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3532
3533< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3534 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3535 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3536 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3537 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3538 match.
3539 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3540
3541 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3542
3543< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3544 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3545 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3546
3547 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3548 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3549<
3550server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3551 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3552 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3553 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3554 Note:
3555 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003556 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003557 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3558 See also |clientserver|.
3559 Example: >
3560 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3561<
3562serverlist() *serverlist()*
3563 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3564 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3565 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3566 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3567 Example: >
3568 :echo serverlist()
3569<
3570setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3571 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3572 {val}.
3573 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3574 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3575 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3576 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3577 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3578 Examples: >
3579 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3580 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3581< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3582
3583setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3584 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3585 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3586 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3587 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003588 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3589 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3590 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3591 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3592 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003593 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3594 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3595 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3596 line.
3597
3598setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003599 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3600 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
3601 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3602 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003603 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
3604< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3605
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003606
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003607setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003608 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3609 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3610 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3611 entries:
3612
3613 filename name of a file
3614 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003615 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003616 col column number
3617 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3618 when zero: "col" is byte index
3619 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003620 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003621 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003622
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003623 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3624 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3625 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003626 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3627 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3628 handled as an error line.
3629 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3630 be used.
3631
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003632 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3633 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3634 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3635 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3636 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3637 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3638
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003639 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3640
3641 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3642 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3643 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3644
3645
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003646 *setreg()*
3647setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3648 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3649 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3650 then the value is appended.
3651 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3652 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3653 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3654 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3655 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3656 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3657 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3658 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3659
3660 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3661 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3662 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3663 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3664
3665 Examples: >
3666 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3667 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3668 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3669
3670< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3671 register. >
3672 :let var_a = getreg('a')
3673 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3674 ....
3675 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
3676
3677< You can also change the type of a register by appending
3678 nothing: >
3679 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
3680
3681setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
3682 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
3683 {val}.
3684 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
3685 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
3686 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
3687 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
3688 Examples: >
3689 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
3690 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
3691< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3692
3693simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
3694 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
3695 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
3696 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
3697 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
3698 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
3699 not removed either.
3700 Example: >
3701 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
3702< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
3703 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
3704 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
3705 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
3706 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
3707
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003708
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003709sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003710 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
3711 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3712 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
3713< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003714 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003715 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
3716 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
3717 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
3718 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
3719 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
3720 sorts before the second one. Example: >
3721 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
3722 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
3723 endfunc
3724 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
3725
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003726split({expr} [, {pattern}]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003727 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted each
3728 white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
3729 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
3730 removing the matched characters. Empty strings are omitted.
3731 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003732 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003733< Since empty strings are not added the "\+" isn't required but
3734 it makes the function work a bit faster.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003735 To split a string in individual characters: >
3736 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00003737< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
3738 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
3739< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
3740 The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003741
3742
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003743strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
3744 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
3745 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
3746 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
3747 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
3748 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
3749 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
3750 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
3751 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
3752 Examples: >
3753 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
3754 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
3755 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
3756 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
3757 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
3758 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003759< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3760 :if exists("*strftime")
3761
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003762stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
3763 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
3764 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003765 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
3766 This can be used to find a second match: >
3767 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
3768 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
3769< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003770 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003771 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003772 See also |strridx()|.
3773 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003774 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
3775 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
3776 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003777< *strstr()* *strchr()*
3778 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
3779 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
3780
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003781 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003782string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
3783 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
3784 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003785 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003786 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003787 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003788 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003789 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003790 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003791
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003792 *strlen()*
3793strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
3794 {expr} in bytes. If you want to count the number of
3795 multi-byte characters use something like this: >
3796
3797 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
3798
3799< Composing characters are not counted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003800 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
3801 For other types an error is given.
3802 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003803
3804strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
3805 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
3806 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
3807 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
3808 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
3809 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
3810 end of the {src}. >
3811 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
3812 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
3813 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
3814 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
3815< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
3816 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
3817 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
3818<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003819strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
3820 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
3821 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
3822 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
3823 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
3824 match: >
3825 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
3826 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
3827< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003828 For pattern searches use |match()|.
3829 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003830 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003831 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003832 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003833< *strrchr()*
3834 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
3835 function strrchr().
3836
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003837strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
3838 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
3839 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
3840 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
3841 echo strtrans(@a)
3842< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
3843 starting a new line.
3844
3845submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
3846 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
3847 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
3848 the whole matched text is returned.
3849 Example: >
3850 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
3851< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
3852 A line break is included as a newline character.
3853
3854substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
3855 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
3856 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
3857 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
3858 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
3859 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
3860 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
3861 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
3862 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
3863 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
3864 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
3865 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
3866 unmodified.
3867 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
3868 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
3869 Example: >
3870 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
3871< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
3872 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
3873< results in "TESTING".
3874
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003875synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003876 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003877 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003878 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
3879 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003880 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003881 line.
3882 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
3883 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
3884 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
3885 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
3886 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
3887 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
3888 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
3889
3890 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
3891 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
3892<
3893synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
3894 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
3895 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
3896 about a syntax item.
3897 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
3898 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
3899 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
3900 used (GUI, cterm or term).
3901 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
3902 {what} result
3903 "name" the name of the syntax item
3904 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
3905 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
3906 term: empty string)
3907 "bg" background color (like "fg")
3908 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
3909 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
3910 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
3911 "bold" "1" if bold
3912 "italic" "1" if italic
3913 "reverse" "1" if reverse
3914 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
3915 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003916 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003917
3918 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
3919 cursor): >
3920 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
3921<
3922synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
3923 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
3924 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
3925 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
3926 ":highlight link" are followed.
3927
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00003928system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
3929 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
3930 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
3931 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
3932 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003933 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00003934 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
3935 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
3936 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003937 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
3938 The result is a String. Example: >
3939
3940 :let files = system("ls")
3941
3942< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
3943 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
3944 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
3945 The command executed is constructed using several options:
3946 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
3947 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
3948 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
3949 concatenated commands.
3950
3951 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
3952 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3953 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
3954 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
3955
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003956
3957taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
3958 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
3959 Each list item is a dictionary with the following entries:
3960 name name of the tag.
3961 filename name of the file where the tag is
3962 defined.
3963 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
3964 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003965 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003966 entry depends on the language specific
3967 kind values generated by the ctags
3968 tool.
3969 static a file specific tag. Refer to
3970 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003971 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
3972 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
3973 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
3974 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
3975 information about these fields. For C code the fields
3976 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
3977 the entity the tag is contained in.
3978
3979 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
3980 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003981
3982 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
3983
3984 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
3985 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
3986 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
3987
3988 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
3989 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
3990 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
3991
3992
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003993tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
3994 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
3995 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
3996 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
3997 :let tmpfile = tempname()
3998 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
3999< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4000 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4001 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4002 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4003 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4004 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4005
4006tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4007 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4008 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4009 the string).
4010
4011toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4012 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4013 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4014 the string).
4015
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004016tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4017 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4018 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4019 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4020 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4021 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4022 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4023
4024 Examples: >
4025 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4026< returns "Hello THere" >
4027 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4028< returns "{blob}"
4029
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004030 *type()*
4031type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004032 Number: 0
4033 String: 1
4034 Funcref: 2
4035 List: 3
4036 Dictionary: 4
4037 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004038 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4039 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4040 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4041 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004042 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004043
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004044values({dict}) *values()*
4045 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4046 arbitrary order.
4047
4048
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004049virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4050 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4051 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4052 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4053 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4054 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4055 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4056 set to 8, it returns 8.
4057 For the byte position use |col()|.
4058 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4059 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4060 The accepted positions are:
4061 . the cursor position
4062 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4063 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4064 plus one)
4065 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4066 returned)
4067 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4068 Examples: >
4069 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4070 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4071 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4072< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4073
4074visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4075 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4076 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4077 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4078 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4079 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4080 Example: >
4081 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4082< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4083 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4084 Visual mode that was used.
4085
4086 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4087 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4088 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4089 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4090
4091 *winbufnr()*
4092winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004093 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004094 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4095 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4096 Example: >
4097 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4098<
4099 *wincol()*
4100wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4101 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4102 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4103
4104winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4105 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4106 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4107 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4108 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4109 Examples: >
4110 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4111<
4112 *winline()*
4113winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4114 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4115 the window. The first line is one.
4116
4117 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004118winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4119 window. The top window has number 1.
4120 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4121 last window is returnd (the window count).
4122 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4123 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4124 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4125 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4126 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004127
4128 *winrestcmd()*
4129winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4130 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4131 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4132 Example: >
4133 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4134 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4135 :exe cmd
4136
4137winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4138 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4139 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4140 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4141 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4142 Examples: >
4143 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4144 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4145 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4146 :endif
4147<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004148 *writefile()*
4149writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4150 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4151 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4152 Number.
4153 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4154 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4155 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4156 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4157 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4158 to writefile().
4159 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4160 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4161 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4162 fails.
4163 Also see |readfile()|.
4164 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4165 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4166 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4167<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004168
4169 *feature-list*
4170There are three types of features:
41711. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4172 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4173 :if has("cindent")
41742. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4175 Example: >
4176 :if has("gui_running")
4177< *has-patch*
41783. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4179 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4180 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4181 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4182
4183all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4184amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4185arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4186arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4187autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4188balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
4189beos BeOS version of Vim.
4190browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4191 work.
4192builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4193byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4194cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4195clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4196clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4197cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4198cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4199cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4200comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4201cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4202cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4203compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4204debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4205dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4206dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4207diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4208digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4209dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4210dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4211dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4212ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4213emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4214eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4215 true, of course!
4216ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4217extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4218 |'hlsearch'|
4219farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4220file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004221filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4222 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004223find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4224 |+find_in_path|.
4225fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4226 Windows this is not present).
4227folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4228footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4229fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4230gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4231gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4232gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004233gui_beos Compiled with BeOS GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004234gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4235gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004236gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004237gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4238gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4239gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4240gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4241gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4242gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4243hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4244iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4245insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4246 Insert mode.
4247jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4248keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4249langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4250libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4251linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4252 support.
4253lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4254listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4255 and the argument list |arglist|.
4256localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4257mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4258macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4259menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4260mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4261modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4262mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4263mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4264mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4265mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4266mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4267mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4268mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4269multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4270multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4271multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004272mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004273netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004274netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004275ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4276os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4277osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4278path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4279perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4280postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4281printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004282profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004283python Compiled with Python interface.
4284qnx QNX version of Vim.
4285quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4286rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4287ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4288scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4289showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4290signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4291smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004292sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004293statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4294 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4295sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
4296syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support.
4297syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4298 current buffer.
4299system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4300tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4301 |tag-binary-search|.
4302tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4303 |tag-old-static|.
4304tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4305 files |tag-any-white|.
4306tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4307terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4308termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4309textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4310tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4311 or terminfo file.
4312title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4313toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4314unix Unix version of Vim.
4315user_commands User-defined commands.
4316viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4317vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4318vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4319virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4320visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4321visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4322 |blockwise-operators|.
4323vms VMS version of Vim.
4324vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4325wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4326wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4327windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4328winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4329win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4330win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4331win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4332win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4333win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4334writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4335xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4336xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4337xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4338xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4339xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4340xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4341 xterm screen.
4342x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4343
4344 *string-match*
4345Matching a pattern in a String
4346
4347A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4348the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4349everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4350like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4351line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4352with ".". Example: >
4353 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4354 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4355 aa
4356 xx
4357 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4358 a
4359 x
4360
4361Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4362"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4363"\n".
4364
4365==============================================================================
43665. Defining functions *user-functions*
4367
4368New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4369functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4370commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4371
4372The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4373builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4374avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4375the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4376
4377It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|.
4378
4379 *local-function*
4380A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4381can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4382and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4383function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4384instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4385
4386 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4387:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4388
4389:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004390 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4391 Funcref: >
4392 :function dict.init
4393< *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004394:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004395 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4396 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4397 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004398
4399 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4400 Funcref: >
4401 :function dict.init(arg)
4402< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4403 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4404 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4405 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4406 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4407 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004408 *E127* *E122*
4409 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4410 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4411 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4412 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004413
4414 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4415
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004416 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4417 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4418 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4419 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4420 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4421 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4422 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004423
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004424 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4425 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4426 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4427 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004428
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004429 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4430 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4431 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4432 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004433
4434 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4435:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4436 by its own, without other commands.
4437
4438 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4439:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004440 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4441 Funcref: >
4442 :delfunc dict.init
4443< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4444 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4445 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004446 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4447:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4448 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4449 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4450 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4451 the number 0 is returned.
4452 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4453 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4454
4455 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4456 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4457 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4458 are executed first. This process applies to all
4459 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4460 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4461
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004462 *function-argument* *a:var*
4463An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4464be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4465 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4466Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4467arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4468may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4469as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004470can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4471"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4472 *E742*
4473The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4474However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4475Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4476it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4477use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004478
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004479When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4480to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4481may be larger.
4482
4483It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4484still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4485until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4486inside a function body.
4487
4488 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004489Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4490will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4491accessed with "g:".
4492
4493Example: >
4494 :function Table(title, ...)
4495 : echohl Title
4496 : echo a:title
4497 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004498 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4499 : for s in a:000
4500 : echon ' ' . s
4501 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004502 :endfunction
4503
4504This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004505 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4506 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004507
4508To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4509 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4510 : if a:n2 == 0
4511 : return "fail"
4512 : endif
4513 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4514 : return "ok"
4515 :endfunction
4516
4517This function can then be called with: >
4518 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4519 :if success == "ok"
4520 : echo div
4521 :endif
4522
4523An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4524with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4525 :function Foo()
4526 : execute Bar()
4527 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4528 :endfunction
4529
4530 :function Bar()
4531 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4532 :endfunction
4533
4534The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4535the caller to set the names.
4536
4537 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4538:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4539 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4540 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4541 used.
4542 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4543 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4544 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4545 function.
4546 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4547 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4548 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4549 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4550 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4551 this works:
4552 *function-range-example* >
4553 :function Mynumber(arg)
4554 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4555 :endfunction
4556 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4557<
4558 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4559 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4560 the range.
4561
4562 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4563
4564 :function Cont() range
4565 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4566 :endfunction
4567 :4,8call Cont()
4568<
4569 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4570 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4571
4572 *E132*
4573The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4574option.
4575
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004576
4577AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004578 *autoload-functions*
4579When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004580only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4581the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4582
4583
4584Using an autocommand ~
4585
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004586This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
4587
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004588The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
4589You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
4590That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
4591again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
4592
4593Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
4594function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004595
4596 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
4597
4598The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
4599"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
4600
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004601
4602Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004603 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004604This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
4605
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004606Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
4607exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
4608like this: >
4609
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004610 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004611
4612When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
4613"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
4614"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
4615then define the function like this: >
4616
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004617 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004618 echo "Done!"
4619 endfunction
4620
4621The file name and the name used before the colon in the function must match
4622exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
4623called.
4624
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004625It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
4626a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004627
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004628 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004629
4630Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
4631
4632The name before the first colon must be at least two characters long,
4633otherwise it looks like a scope, such as "s:".
4634
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004635This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
4636
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004637 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004638
4639When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
4640be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
4641
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004642 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
4643 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004644
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00004645Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
4646defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
4647function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004648And you will get an error message every time.
4649
4650Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
4651other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
4652Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004653
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004654==============================================================================
46556. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
4656
4657Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
4658This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
4659{} like this: >
4660 my_{adjective}_variable
4661
4662When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
4663that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
4664name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
4665"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
4666"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
4667
4668One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
4669value. For example, the statement >
4670 echo my_{&background}_message
4671
4672would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
4673on the current value of 'background'.
4674
4675You can use multiple brace pairs: >
4676 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
4677..or even nest them: >
4678 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
4679where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
4680
4681However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004682variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004683 :let foo='a + b'
4684 :echo c{foo}d
4685.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
4686
4687 *curly-braces-function-names*
4688You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
4689Example: >
4690 :let func_end='whizz'
4691 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
4692
4693This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
4694
4695==============================================================================
46967. Commands *expression-commands*
4697
4698:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
4699 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
4700 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
4701 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
4702 is created.
4703
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004704:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
4705 Set a list item to the result of the expression
4706 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
4707 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
4708 the index can be repeated.
4709 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
4710
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004711 *E711* *E719*
4712:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004713 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
4714 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
4715 correct number of items.
4716 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
4717 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
4718 When the selected range of items is partly past the
4719 end of the list, items will be added.
4720
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004721 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004722:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
4723:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
4724:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
4725 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
4726 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
4727
4728
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004729:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
4730 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
4731 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004732:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
4733 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
4734 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
4735 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004736
4737:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
4738 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
4739 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
4740 must be the name of a writable register (see
4741 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
4742 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
4743 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
4744 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
4745 characterwise.
4746 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
4747 :let @/ = ""
4748< This is different from searching for an empty string,
4749 that would match everywhere.
4750
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004751:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
4752 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
4753 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
4754
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004755:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
4756 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004757 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
4758 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004759 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
4760 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
4761 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004762 Example: >
4763 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004764
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004765:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
4766 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
4767 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
4768
4769:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
4770:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
4771 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
4772 {expr1}.
4773
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004774:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004775:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
4776:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
4777:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004778 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
4779 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
4780
4781:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004782:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
4783:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
4784:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004785 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
4786 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
4787
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004788:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004789 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
4790 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
4791 {name2}, etc.
4792 The number of names must match the number of items in
4793 the List.
4794 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
4795 command as mentioned above.
4796 Example: >
4797 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004798< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
4799 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
4800 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
4801 :let x = [0, 1]
4802 :let i = 0
4803 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
4804 :echo x
4805< The result is [0, 2].
4806
4807:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
4808:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
4809:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
4810 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
4811 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004812
4813:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004814 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004815 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
4816 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
4817 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004818 Example: >
4819 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
4820<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004821:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
4822:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
4823:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
4824 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
4825 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004826 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004827:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00004828 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
4829 here: *E738*
4830 g: global variables.
4831 b: local buffer variables.
4832 w: local window variables.
4833 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004834
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004835:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
4836 variable is indicated before the value:
4837 <nothing> String
4838 # Number
4839 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004840
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004841
4842:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
4843 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
4844 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
4845 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004846 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
4847 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00004848 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
4849 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
4850 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
4851< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
4852 :unlet dict['two']
4853 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004854
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004855:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
4856 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
4857 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
4858 A locked variable can be deleted: >
4859 :lockvar v
4860 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
4861 :unlet v
4862< *E741*
4863 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
4864 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
4865
4866 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
4867 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
4868 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
4869 cannot add or remove items, but can
4870 still change their values.
4871 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
4872 the items. If an item is a List or
4873 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
4874 items, but can still change the
4875 values.
4876 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
4877 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
4878 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
4879 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
4880 *E743*
4881 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
4882 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
4883 loops.
4884
4885 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
4886 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
4887 when used through the other variable. Example: >
4888 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
4889 :let cl = l
4890 :lockvar l
4891 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
4892< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
4893 See |deepcopy()|.
4894
4895
4896:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
4897 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
4898 opposite of |:lockvar|.
4899
4900
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004901:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
4902:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
4903 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
4904
4905 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
4906 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
4907 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
4908 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
4909 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
4910 part was not executed either.
4911
4912 You can use this to remain compatible with older
4913 versions: >
4914 :if version >= 500
4915 : version-5-specific-commands
4916 :endif
4917< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
4918 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
4919 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
4920 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
4921 avoid problems: >
4922 :if version >= 600
4923 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
4924 :endif
4925<
4926 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
4927 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
4928
4929 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
4930:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
4931 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
4932 executed.
4933
4934 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
4935:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
4936 is no extra ":endif".
4937
4938:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004939 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004940:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
4941 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
4942 When an error is detected from a command inside the
4943 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004944 Example: >
4945 :let lnum = 1
4946 :while lnum <= line("$")
4947 :call FixLine(lnum)
4948 :let lnum = lnum + 1
4949 :endwhile
4950<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004951 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004952 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004953
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004954:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004955:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
4956 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004957 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004958 value of each item.
4959 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004960 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004961 Changing {list} affects what items are used. Make a
4962 copy if this is unwanted: >
4963 :for item in copy(mylist)
4964< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
4965 next item in the list, before executing the commands
4966 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
4967 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
4968 it will not be found. Thus the following example
4969 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
4970 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004971 :call remove(mylist, 0)
4972 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004973< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
4974 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
4975 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004976 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
4977 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
4978 to allow multiple item types.
4979
4980:for {var} in {string}
4981:endfo[r] Like ":for" above, but use each character in {string}
4982 as a list item.
4983 Composing characters are used as separate characters.
4984 A Number is first converted to a String.
4985
4986:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
4987:endfo[r]
4988 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
4989 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
4990 {var2}, etc. Example: >
4991 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
4992 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
4993 :endfor
4994<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004995 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004996:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
4997 to the start of the loop.
4998 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
4999 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5000 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5001 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5002 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5003 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005004
5005 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005006:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5007 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5008 ":endfor".
5009 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5010 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5011 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5012 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5013 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5014 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005015
5016:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5017:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5018 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5019 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5020 or autocommand invocations.
5021
5022 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5023 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5024 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5025 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5026 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5027 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5028 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5029 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5030 Example: >
5031 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5032 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5033<
5034 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5035 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5036 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5037 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5038 processing is not terminated.
5039
5040 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5041 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5042 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5043 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5044 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5045 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5046 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5047 the error number.
5048 Examples: >
5049 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5050 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5051<
5052 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5053:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5054 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5055 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5056 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5057 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5058 commands are skipped.
5059 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5060 Examples: >
5061 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5062 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5063 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5064 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5065 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5066 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5067 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5068 :catch " same as /.*/
5069<
5070 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5071 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5072 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5073 {pattern}.
5074 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5075 an error message because it may vary in different
5076 locales.
5077
5078 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5079:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5080 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5081 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5082 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5083 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5084 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5085
5086 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5087:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5088 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5089 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5090 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5091 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5092 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5093 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5094 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5095 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5096 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5097 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5098 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5099 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5100 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5101 is terminated.
5102 Example: >
5103 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5104<
5105
5106 *:ec* *:echo*
5107:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5108 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5109 Also see |:comment|.
5110 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5111 cursor to the first column.
5112 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5113 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5114 Example: >
5115 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5116< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5117 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5118 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5119 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5120 command. Example: >
5121 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5122<
5123 *:echon*
5124:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5125 |:comment|.
5126 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5127 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5128 Example: >
5129 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5130<
5131 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5132 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5133 command: >
5134 :!echo % --> filename
5135< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5136 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5137< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5138 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5139 :echo % --> nothing
5140< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5141 :echo "%" --> %
5142< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5143 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5144< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5145
5146 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5147:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5148 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5149 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5150 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5151< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5152 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5153
5154 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5155:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5156 message in the |message-history|.
5157 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5158 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5159 displayed, not interpreted.
5160 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5161 Example: >
5162 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5163<
5164 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5165:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5166 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5167 script or function the line number will be added.
5168 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5169 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5170 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5171 (see |try-echoerr|).
5172 Example: >
5173 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5174< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5175 And to get a beep: >
5176 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5177<
5178 *:exe* *:execute*
5179:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5180 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5181 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5182 used as the processed command, command line editing
5183 keys are not recognized.
5184 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5185 Examples: >
5186 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5187 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5188<
5189 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5190 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5191 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5192
5193< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5194 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5195 command: >
5196 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5197< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5198
5199 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005200 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5201 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005202 :execute 'while i > 5'
5203 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5204<
5205 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5206 completely in the executed string: >
5207 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5208<
5209
5210 *:comment*
5211 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5212 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5213 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5214 comment. Example: >
5215 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5216
5217==============================================================================
52188. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5219
5220The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5221explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5222
5223Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5224|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5225exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5226
5227
5228TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5229
5230Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5231use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5232a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5233 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5234|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5235a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5236be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5237which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5238clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5239
5240 :try
5241 : ...
5242 : ... TRY BLOCK
5243 : ...
5244 :catch /{pattern}/
5245 : ...
5246 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5247 : ...
5248 :catch /{pattern}/
5249 : ...
5250 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5251 : ...
5252 :finally
5253 : ...
5254 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5255 : ...
5256 :endtry
5257
5258The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5259appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5260from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5261 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5262is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5263script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5264 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5265lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5266patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5267after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5268executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5269":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5270(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5271continues in the following line as usual.
5272 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5273":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5274that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5275finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5276the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5277the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5278see |try-nesting|.
5279 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5280remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5281not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5282try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5283a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5284execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5285exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5286 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5287thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5288clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5289catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5290following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5291clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5292
5293The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5294a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5295try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5296from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5297sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5298":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5299":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5300from the finally clause.
5301 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5302try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5303clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5304":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5305clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5306":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5307this pending exception or command is discarded.
5308
5309For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5310
5311
5312NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5313
5314Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5315conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5316clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5317catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5318of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5319checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5320try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5321otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5322nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5323one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5324the inner try conditional.
5325
5326When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5327finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5328An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5329thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5330implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5331as usual.
5332
5333For examples see |throw-catch|.
5334
5335
5336EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5337
5338Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5339'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5340script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5341finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5342a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5343(see |debug-scripts|).
5344
5345
5346THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5347
5348You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5349and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5350 :throw 4711
5351 :throw "string"
5352< *throw-expression*
5353You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5354first, and the result is thrown: >
5355 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5356 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5357
5358An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5359command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5360The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5361 Example: >
5362
5363 :function! Foo(arg)
5364 : try
5365 : throw a:arg
5366 : catch /foo/
5367 : endtry
5368 : return 1
5369 :endfunction
5370 :
5371 :function! Bar()
5372 : echo "in Bar"
5373 : return 4710
5374 :endfunction
5375 :
5376 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5377
5378This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5379executed. >
5380 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5381however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5382
5383Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5384abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5385exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5386 Example: >
5387
5388 :if Foo("arrgh")
5389 : echo "then"
5390 :else
5391 : echo "else"
5392 :endif
5393
5394Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5395
5396 *catch-order*
5397Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5398commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5399command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5400gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5401 Example: >
5402
5403 :function! Foo(value)
5404 : try
5405 : throw a:value
5406 : catch /^\d\+$/
5407 : echo "Number thrown"
5408 : catch /.*/
5409 : echo "String thrown"
5410 : endtry
5411 :endfunction
5412 :
5413 :call Foo(0x1267)
5414 :call Foo('string')
5415
5416The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5417An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5418specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5419specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5420
5421 : catch /.*/
5422 : echo "String thrown"
5423 : catch /^\d\+$/
5424 : echo "Number thrown"
5425
5426The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5427never taken.
5428
5429 *throw-variables*
5430If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5431in the variable |v:exception|: >
5432
5433 : catch /^\d\+$/
5434 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5435
5436You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5437|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5438exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5439 Example: >
5440
5441 :function! Caught()
5442 : if v:exception != ""
5443 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5444 : else
5445 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5446 : endif
5447 :endfunction
5448 :
5449 :function! Foo()
5450 : try
5451 : try
5452 : try
5453 : throw 4711
5454 : finally
5455 : call Caught()
5456 : endtry
5457 : catch /.*/
5458 : call Caught()
5459 : throw "oops"
5460 : endtry
5461 : catch /.*/
5462 : call Caught()
5463 : finally
5464 : call Caught()
5465 : endtry
5466 :endfunction
5467 :
5468 :call Foo()
5469
5470This displays >
5471
5472 Nothing caught
5473 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5474 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5475 Nothing caught
5476
5477A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5478number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5479
5480 :function! LineNumber()
5481 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5482 :endfunction
5483 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5484<
5485 *try-nested*
5486An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5487a surrounding try conditional: >
5488
5489 :try
5490 : try
5491 : throw "foo"
5492 : catch /foobar/
5493 : echo "foobar"
5494 : finally
5495 : echo "inner finally"
5496 : endtry
5497 :catch /foo/
5498 : echo "foo"
5499 :endtry
5500
5501The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5502clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5503conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5504
5505 *throw-from-catch*
5506You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5507catch clause: >
5508
5509 :function! Foo()
5510 : throw "foo"
5511 :endfunction
5512 :
5513 :function! Bar()
5514 : try
5515 : call Foo()
5516 : catch /foo/
5517 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5518 : throw "bar"
5519 : endtry
5520 :endfunction
5521 :
5522 :try
5523 : call Bar()
5524 :catch /.*/
5525 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5526 :endtry
5527
5528This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5529
5530 *rethrow*
5531There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5532"v:exception" instead: >
5533
5534 :function! Bar()
5535 : try
5536 : call Foo()
5537 : catch /.*/
5538 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5539 : throw v:exception
5540 : endtry
5541 :endfunction
5542< *try-echoerr*
5543Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5544exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5545Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5546denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5547the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5548
5549 :try
5550 : try
5551 : asdf
5552 : catch /.*/
5553 : echoerr v:exception
5554 : endtry
5555 :catch /.*/
5556 : echo v:exception
5557 :endtry
5558
5559This code displays
5560
5561 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5562
5563
5564CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5565
5566Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5567user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5568an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5569a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5570catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5571a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5572normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5573(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5574to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5575clause has been executed.)
5576Example: >
5577
5578 :try
5579 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5580 : set ts=17
5581 :
5582 : " Do the hard work here.
5583 :
5584 :finally
5585 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5586 : unlet s:saved_ts
5587 :endtry
5588
5589This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5590changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5591that function or script part.
5592
5593 *break-finally*
5594Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
5595a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
5596 Example: >
5597
5598 :let first = 1
5599 :while 1
5600 : try
5601 : if first
5602 : echo "first"
5603 : let first = 0
5604 : continue
5605 : else
5606 : throw "second"
5607 : endif
5608 : catch /.*/
5609 : echo v:exception
5610 : break
5611 : finally
5612 : echo "cleanup"
5613 : endtry
5614 : echo "still in while"
5615 :endwhile
5616 :echo "end"
5617
5618This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
5619
5620 :function! Foo()
5621 : try
5622 : return 4711
5623 : finally
5624 : echo "cleanup\n"
5625 : endtry
5626 : echo "Foo still active"
5627 :endfunction
5628 :
5629 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
5630
5631This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
5632extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
5633return value.)
5634
5635 *except-from-finally*
5636Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
5637a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
5638cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
5639exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
5640 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
5641working correctly: >
5642
5643 :try
5644 : try
5645 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
5646 : while 1
5647 : endwhile
5648 : finally
5649 : unlet novar
5650 : endtry
5651 :catch /novar/
5652 :endtry
5653 :echo "Script still running"
5654 :sleep 1
5655
5656If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
5657think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
5658|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
5659
5660
5661CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
5662
5663If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
5664watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
5665presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
5666exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
5667the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
5668the error exception is.
5669 Error exceptions have the following format: >
5670
5671 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
5672or >
5673 Vim:{errmsg}
5674
5675{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
5676the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
5677when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
5678a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
5679a space.
5680
5681Examples:
5682
5683The command >
5684 :unlet novar
5685normally produces the error message >
5686 E108: No such variable: "novar"
5687which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5688 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
5689
5690The command >
5691 :dwim
5692normally produces the error message >
5693 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5694which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5695 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5696
5697You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
5698 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
5699or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
5700 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
5701
5702Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
5703 :function nofunc
5704and >
5705 :delfunction nofunc
5706both produce the error message >
5707 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5708which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5709 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5710or >
5711 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5712respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
5713command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
5714 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
5715
5716Some commands like >
5717 :let x = novar
5718produce multiple error messages, here: >
5719 E121: Undefined variable: novar
5720 E15: Invalid expression: novar
5721Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
5722one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
5723 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
5724
5725You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
5726 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
5727
5728You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
5729 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
5730
5731You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
5732 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
5733<
5734 *catch-text*
5735NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
5736 :catch /No such variable/
5737only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
5738a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
5739cite the message text in a comment: >
5740 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
5741
5742
5743IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
5744
5745You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
5746
5747 :try
5748 : write
5749 :catch
5750 :endtry
5751
5752But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
5753catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
5754be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
5755
5756 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
5757
5758There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
5759writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
5760then hide the error from the user.
5761 It is much better to use >
5762
5763 :try
5764 : write
5765 :catch /^Vim(write):/
5766 :endtry
5767
5768which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
5769intentionally.
5770
5771For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
5772even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
5773command: >
5774 :silent! nunmap k
5775This works also when a try conditional is active.
5776
5777
5778CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
5779
5780When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
5781the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
5782script is not terminated, then.
5783 Example: >
5784
5785 :function! TASK1()
5786 : sleep 10
5787 :endfunction
5788
5789 :function! TASK2()
5790 : sleep 20
5791 :endfunction
5792
5793 :while 1
5794 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
5795 : try
5796 : if command == ""
5797 : continue
5798 : elseif command == "END"
5799 : break
5800 : elseif command == "TASK1"
5801 : call TASK1()
5802 : elseif command == "TASK2"
5803 : call TASK2()
5804 : else
5805 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
5806 : continue
5807 : endif
5808 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
5809 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
5810 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
5811 : endtry
5812 :endwhile
5813
5814You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
5815a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
5816
5817For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
5818your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
5819command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
5820
5821
5822CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
5823
5824The commands >
5825
5826 :catch /.*/
5827 :catch //
5828 :catch
5829
5830catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
5831explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
5832a script in order to catch unexpected things.
5833 Example: >
5834
5835 :try
5836 :
5837 : " do the hard work here
5838 :
5839 :catch /MyException/
5840 :
5841 : " handle known problem
5842 :
5843 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
5844 : echo "Script interrupted"
5845 :catch /.*/
5846 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
5847 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
5848 :endtry
5849 :" end of script
5850
5851Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
5852strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
5853specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
5854 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
5855by pressing CTRL-C: >
5856
5857 :while 1
5858 : try
5859 : sleep 1
5860 : catch
5861 : endtry
5862 :endwhile
5863
5864
5865EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
5866
5867Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
5868
5869 :autocmd User x try
5870 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
5871 :autocmd User x catch
5872 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
5873 :autocmd User x endtry
5874 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
5875 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
5876 :
5877 :try
5878 : doautocmd User x
5879 :catch
5880 : echo v:exception
5881 :endtry
5882
5883This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
5884
5885 *except-autocmd-Pre*
5886For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
5887command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
5888of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
5889abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
5890 Example: >
5891
5892 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
5893 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
5894 :
5895 :try
5896 : write
5897 :catch
5898 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
5899 :endtry
5900
5901Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
5902you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
5903autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
5904script displays: >
5905
5906 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
5907<
5908 *except-autocmd-Post*
5909For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
5910command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
5911an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
5912is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
5913 Example: >
5914
5915 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
5916 :
5917 :try
5918 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5919 :catch
5920 : echo v:exception
5921 :endtry
5922
5923This just displays: >
5924
5925 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
5926
5927If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
5928fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
5929 Example: >
5930
5931 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
5932 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
5933 :
5934 :try
5935 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5936 :catch
5937 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5938 :endtry
5939<
5940You can also use ":silent!": >
5941
5942 :let x = "ok"
5943 :let v:errmsg = ""
5944 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
5945 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
5946 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
5947 :try
5948 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5949 :catch
5950 :endtry
5951 :echo x
5952
5953This displays "after fail".
5954
5955If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
5956autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
5957
5958 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
5959 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
5960 :
5961 :try
5962 : write
5963 :catch
5964 : echo v:exception
5965 :endtry
5966<
5967 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
5968For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
5969autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
5970of the command.
5971 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
5972had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
5973some way. >
5974
5975 :if !exists("cnt")
5976 : let cnt = 0
5977 :
5978 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
5979 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
5980 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
5981 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
5982 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
5983 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
5984 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
5985 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
5986 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
5987 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
5988 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
5989 :endif
5990 :
5991 :try
5992 : write
5993 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
5994 : if &modified
5995 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
5996 : else
5997 : echo "Error after writing"
5998 : endif
5999 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6000 : echo "Error on writing"
6001 :endtry
6002
6003When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6004first >
6005 File successfully written!
6006then >
6007 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6008then >
6009 Error after writing
6010etc.
6011
6012 *except-autocmd-ill*
6013You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6014The following code is ill-formed: >
6015
6016 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6017 :
6018 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6019 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6020 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6021 :
6022 :write
6023
6024
6025EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6026
6027Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6028pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6029similar things in Vim.
6030 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6031class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6032string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6033 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6034it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6035for an error when writing "myfile".
6036 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6037base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6038parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6039 Example: >
6040
6041 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6042 : if a:a < 0
6043 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6044 : endif
6045 :endfunction
6046 :
6047 :function! Add(a, b)
6048 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6049 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6050 : let c = a:a + a:b
6051 : if c < 0
6052 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6053 : endif
6054 : return c
6055 :endfunction
6056 :
6057 :function! Div(a, b)
6058 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6059 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6060 : if (a:b == 0)
6061 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6062 : endif
6063 : return a:a / a:b
6064 :endfunction
6065 :
6066 :function! Write(file)
6067 : try
6068 : execute "write" a:file
6069 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6070 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6071 : endtry
6072 :endfunction
6073 :
6074 :try
6075 :
6076 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6077 :
6078 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6079 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6080 : echo "Range error in" function
6081 :
6082 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6083 : echo "Math error"
6084 :
6085 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6086 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6087 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6088 : if file !~ '^/'
6089 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6090 : endif
6091 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6092 :
6093 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6094 : echo "Unspecified error"
6095 :
6096 :endtry
6097
6098The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6099a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6100exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6101 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6102failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6103
6104
6105PECULIARITIES
6106 *except-compat*
6107The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6108exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6109and/or a catch clause.
6110
6111In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6112continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6113after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6114functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6115or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6116(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6117
6118This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6119immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6120conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6121be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6122termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6123catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6124by specifying a finally clause.)
6125
6126When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6127behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6128scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6129
6130However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6131commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6132conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6133script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6134error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6135messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6136|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6137not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6138where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6139error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6140scripts.
6141
6142 *except-syntax-err*
6143Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6144the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6145clauses, however, is executed.
6146 Example: >
6147
6148 :try
6149 : try
6150 : throw 4711
6151 : catch /\(/
6152 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6153 : catch
6154 : echo "inner catch-all"
6155 : finally
6156 : echo "inner finally"
6157 : endtry
6158 :catch
6159 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6160 : finally
6161 : echo "outer finally"
6162 :endtry
6163
6164This displays: >
6165 inner finally
6166 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6167 outer finally
6168The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6169
6170 *except-single-line*
6171The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6172a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6173"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6174 Example: >
6175 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6176raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6177argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6178error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6179displayed.
6180
6181 *except-several-errors*
6182When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6183usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6184 Example: >
6185 echo novar
6186causes >
6187 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6188 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6189The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6190 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6191< *except-syntax-error*
6192But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6193the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6194 Example: >
6195 unlet novar #
6196causes >
6197 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6198 E488: Trailing characters
6199The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6200 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6201This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6202not intended by the user. Example: >
6203 try
6204 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6205 catch /.*/
6206 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6207 endtry
6208This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6209a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6210
6211==============================================================================
62129. Examples *eval-examples*
6213
6214Printing in Hex ~
6215>
6216 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6217 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6218 : let n = a:nr
6219 : let r = ""
6220 : while n
6221 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6222 : let n = n / 16
6223 : endwhile
6224 : return r
6225 :endfunc
6226
6227 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6228 :" character Hex string.
6229 :func String2Hex(str)
6230 : let out = ''
6231 : let ix = 0
6232 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6233 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6234 : let ix = ix + 1
6235 : endwhile
6236 : return out
6237 :endfunc
6238
6239Example of its use: >
6240 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6241result: "20" >
6242 :echo String2Hex("32")
6243result: "3332"
6244
6245
6246Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6247
6248Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6249":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6250platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6251function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6252with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6253>
6254 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6255 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6256 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6257 : return -1
6258 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6259 : return 1
6260 : else
6261 : return 0
6262 : endif
6263 :endfunction
6264
6265 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6266 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6267 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6268 : return
6269 : endif
6270 : let partition = a:start - 1
6271 : let middle = partition
6272 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6273 : let i = a:start
6274 : while (i <= a:end)
6275 : let str = getline(i)
6276 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6277 : if (result <= 0)
6278 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6279 : let partition = partition + 1
6280 : if (result == 0)
6281 : let middle = partition
6282 : endif
6283 : if (i != partition)
6284 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6285 : call setline(i, str2)
6286 : call setline(partition, str)
6287 : endif
6288 : endif
6289 : let i = i + 1
6290 : endwhile
6291
6292 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6293 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6294 : " the end of the partition.
6295 : if (middle != partition)
6296 : let str = getline(middle)
6297 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6298 : call setline(middle, str2)
6299 : call setline(partition, str)
6300 : endif
6301 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6302 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6303 :endfunc
6304
6305 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6306 :" function that will compare two lines.
6307 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6308 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6309 :endfunc
6310
6311 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6312 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6313<
6314 *sscanf*
6315There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6316line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6317how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6318"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6319 :" Set up the match bit
6320 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6321 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6322 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6323 :"get each item out of the match
6324 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6325 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6326 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6327
6328The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6329"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6330
6331==============================================================================
633210. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6333
6334When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6335evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6336to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6337recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6338and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6339only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6340recognized.
6341
6342Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6343missing: >
6344
6345 :if 1
6346 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6347 :else
6348 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6349 :endif
6350
6351==============================================================================
635211. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6353
6354The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6355options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6356these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6357these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6358a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006359The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006360
6361These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6362 - changing the buffer text
6363 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6364 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6365 - executing a shell command
6366 - reading or writing a file
6367 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006368This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6369
6370 *:san* *:sandbox*
6371:sandbox {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
6372 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6373 'foldexpr'.
6374
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006375
6376 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: